2018–2022 Ice Seal Unusual Mortality Event in Alaska

Since June 1, 2018, elevated ice seal strandings have occurred in the Bering and Chukchi seas in Alaska. This event has been declared an Unusual Mortality Event (UME).

Alaska

Dead spotted seal stranding near Kotlik, Alaska. Credit: Harold Okitkun

Learn more about Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events

Since June 1, 2018, elevated strandings for bearded, ringed, and spotted seals have occurred in the Bering and Chukchi seas in Alaska. This event has been declared an Unusual Mortality Event (UME).

Ice Seal Strandings (as of January 7, 2022)

Year	Bearded	Ringed	Spotted	Unidentified	Total
2018 (June 1-Dec 31)	35	29	20	27	111
2019	50	35	26	53	164
2020	10	9	8	11	38
2021	11	22	8	14	55
2022 (as of January 7)	0	0	0	0	0
Total	106	95	62	105	368

Why are Ice Seals Stranding?

We currently do not know why the ice seals are stranding. All age classes of seals have been reported, and a subset of seals have been sampled for genetics and harmful algal bloom exposure, with a few having histopathology collected. Results are pending.

As part of the UME investigation process, NOAA is assembling an independent team of scientists to coordinate with the Working Group on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events to review the data collected, sample stranded seals, and determine the next steps for the investigation.

Graph of ice seal strandings by month — Graph of Ice Seal Strandings by Month

Map of 2019 ice seal strandings in the Bering and Chukchi seas, February 12 through September 4, 2019.

Report a Stranded or Floating Seal

The most important action someone can take is to immediately report dead, injured, or stranded marine mammals. Do not approach or touch injured or dead marine mammals.

Make the report by calling NOAA’s Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network Hotline at (877) 925-7773 or contact your local wildlife authorities at the following numbers:

North Slope Borough: North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management: (907) 852-0350

Bering Strait region:

Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program: (855) 443-2397 / (907) 434-1149
Eskimo Walrus Commission: (877) 277-4392
Kawerak, Inc: (907) 443-4265

Yukon-Kuskokwim delta: Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program: (855) 443-2397 / (907) 434-1149

All marine mammals are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Only local and state officials and people authorized by NOAA Fisheries may legally handle live and dead marine mammals.

Additional Information

Last updated by Alaska Regional Office on 08/16/2022

Unusual Mortality Event Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding National Stranding Network Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program

2018–2022 Ice Seal Unusual Mortality Event in Alaska

Table of Contents

Why are Ice Seals Stranding?

Report a Stranded or Floating Seal

Additional Information

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